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Enthusiasts are in awe of the latest 2009 Cadillac XLR not only for its
extreme performance capabilities, but also because of its elegant design. While
the roadster has yet to be released, buyers are waiting in anticipation for the
unveiling set to take place in July of 2008; however, Cadillac has not confirmed
whether the 2009 XLR will hit sales lots in July or if it will merely be
revealed at auto shows, but spies have been hard at work snapping shots of the
latest model since February. Its only American competition, the Chevy Corvette,
will need a serious redesign to draw eyes away from the 2008 XLR.
Under the hood, the Cadillac XLR is just as powerful as ever with a 4.6L
Northstar V8 VVT that produces around 320 horsepower; however, the XLR-V, a
member of Cadillac's high-performance V series, features a 4.4L Supercharged
Northstar V8 engine which gets a monstrous 443 horsepower. All three XLR trims
(Roadster, Platinum and XLR-V) have a Hydra-Matic 6-speed electronically
controlled automatic transmission but the XLR-V includes a torque converter
clutch and Performance Algorithm Shifting. With 310-lbs per foot of torque,
owners can easily reach sixty mph in less than six seconds. The EPA estimates
that the XLR will get about 15 city MPG and 24 highway MPG with premium unleaded
fuel, which is actually quite impressive for a high-performance roadster.
The Roadster trim, listed for around $81,490, features an automatic
fully-retractable hardtop, Eucalyptus wood accents in the interior and dual
exhaust with stainless steel tips. The 2009 model year of the XLR has brought
about a few exterior changes like a redesigned front fascia that appears more
chiseled and streamlined. Other changes include the application of side vents as
well as two grilles, one above the front bumper and one built into the bumper
itself. The Platinum trim gets new 18-inch chrome wheels, while all three trims
get an Alcantara headliner and a leather-wrapped look for the upper instrument
panel.
The 2009 Cadillac XLR also receives a technological boost with OnStar 8.0,
handsfree Bluetooth phone capabilities, a navigation system controlled by
MapQuest, push-button start, and Adaptive Forward Lighting - a system that tilts
the headlamps in the direction the vehicle is turning to allow for clearer night
visibility. Though the XLR-V's MSRP starts at $101,300, buyers will certainly
find a level of class and performance not found elsewhere on sales lots and,
with stylish exterior alterations and ample interior upgrades, the 2009 XLR will
quickly shoot to the top of the list of incredibly elegant roadsters. |
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